Behind a great game by Mike Gurtler, who had two goals, the Peoria Rivermen defeated the Fayetteville FireAntz, 5-2.

Fayetteville fell victim to a deadly Peoria power play, which ripped the FireAntz for four goals.

Fayetteville was unable to stop the Rivermen from sending pucks towards the net, and Peoria eventually piled up 55 shots on goal.

Peoria additionally got points from Jake Trask, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Peoria included Steve Morra and Dan Bremner, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Christian Weidauer, Ben Oskroba, and Alec Hagaman, who each chipped in one and Cole Ruwe, Nick Schneider, and Alex Hudson, who contributed two each.

The FireAntz could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 44 minutes in penalties during the game.

Fayetteville was helped by Trever Hertz, who had one goal and one assist. Hertz scored on the power play 15:29 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Peoria. An interference penalty on Hagaman had put the FireAntz on the power play. Mike Kavanagh provided the assist. Fayetteville also got points from Josh McQuade, who also finished with one goal and one assist. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Tim Recio, who had one.

Dustin Carlson made 25 saves for the Rivermen on 27 shots. Peoria incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Kevin Murdock recorded 50 saves for Fayetteville. The FireAntz registered one goal on three power play opportunities.